Crisp morning air, ripe apples, and school bells...all signs it's time for fall festivals near Boston! With so many harvest festivals and pumpkin festivals in New England, it can be hard to choose one for a family activity. We took the guesswork out of it by compiling a list of the best family fall festivals near Boston. These fall events for families have good food, lots of fun activities, music, performances, and much more. And these Boston fall activities are perfect for both parents and kids. Read on for our guide to fall festivals near Boston, from the city to the Berkshires. We'll help you find festival fun as big as the Topsfield Fair and the Big E.
For more great autumn activities, see our Fall Fun Guide. And don't forget to explore our events calendar for the latest fall fun in Boston and around New England!
Tips for Visiting Fall Festivals With Kids
- Go early to avoid crowds
- Bring cash for food vendors and rides
- Check for online tickets or reservation requirements
- Dress in layers and bring sunscreen and water
- Be ready for photo ops (pumpkin patches, hay bales, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: When do Boston's Fall festivals take place?
A: Most of Boston's harvest fairs take place from September through October.
Q: Are there stroller-friendly Fall festivals in Boston?
A: It depends on the venue. While farms and orchards might be a little bumpy, a lot of fairs, especially close to Boston, are stroller-friendly
Q: Do we need to buy tickets online?
A: Many fairs and festivals have free admission, but some do require advance tickets. Always check the event website to be sure.
Q: What age are these Fall festivals in Boston best for?
A: Most events offer activities for all ages, from crafts and hayrides to live music. And most Boston festivals have kid-friendly food options.
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Fall Festivals in Boston and Greater Boston for 2025
A visit to King Richard’s Faire, New England’s largest and longest-running Renaissance festival that is tucked away on 80 acres of enchanted forest, offers a full day of live, interactive entertainment. Read More
Every weekend during September and October, the farm hosts a fall festival featuring weekly themes, live entertainment, carnival games, storytime, hayrides and more. Read More
This popular German fest features live entertainment, archery, kids’ games, target shooting, food, and (for the 21+ crowd) beer. Read More
Free Admission
Riverfest is the culmination of a summer of activity at Assembly Row with live local music, dozens of local artists, free children’s activities, a sidewalk sale, and of course the annual fireworks show over the Mystic River. Read More
Free Admission
The Faire offers a wide variety of free activities for children and adults including children's rides and activities, musical entertainment and food, crafts sales, and dance performances. Read More
Free Admission
Celebrate the New England fall season on Saturday, October 4th at the 187th Annual East Village Fair in Lexington, MA Read More
Free
Watch live musician performances, browse local artisan crafts, get to know local businesses and organizations, eat food, and take part in any number of fun activities for all ages including a Knucklebones play area for kids. Read More
Southwick's Zoo in Mendon presents Harvest Fest, with craft vendors, live entertainment, and more. Harvest Fest is included with zoo admission. Read More
Spend time learning about the farm's livestock with educators, climb aboard a tractor, choose a farm “tattoo”, and enjoy live music. Read More
The Lexington Farmers' Market is celebrating all things autumn with live music, food and beverages, children's activities, and beer from Arlington Brewing Company. Read More
Free
This year’s fall gathering will feature apple cider donuts, entertainment, and a chance to meet with local sponsors and preschools. Kids are welcome to attend in their costumes and participate in the annual Halloween Parade! Read More
Free Admission
For over 40 years Newton has celebrated the change of seasons and gathered as a community at the Harvest Fair in Newton Centre. Read More
This all festival celebration includes over 100 craft exhibitors, a farmers' market, kids entertainment, and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Read More
Pumpkin & Harvest Festivals Worth the Day Trip
The Big E, or Eastern States Exposition, is a New England autumn tradition and the ninth-largest fair in North America. The Big E features entertainment, major exhibits, The Big E Super Circus, the Avenue of States, and dazzling thrill shows. Read More
Stowe Vermont's 14th annual festival of pumpkin catapulting features live music, food trucks, children's activities, and a chili cook-off among area restaurants. Read More
The Topsfield Fair is the quintessential country fair - traditional agricultural exhibits, big entertainment, rides, games, shopping, and great food. Read More
Enjoy live music and entertainment, fresh local and artisan food and refreshments, a plant sale and farmer's market, pony and hay rides, haunted house, hay jump, regional vendors, as well as some surprises still in the works. Read More
Free Admission
An annual tradition in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, this free, family-oriented festival is known for its pumpkin tower, built with donated pumpkins carved at home or on site, as well as rides, activities, music, and food. Read More